Roberto Lopes of Shamrock Rovers in action against Jad Hakiki of Sligo Rovers Ultan CorcoranYesterday at 17:30It’s another action-packed evening in the League of Ireland with all ten Premier Division teams involved You can follow all the action as it unfolds in our liveblog below Former Sligo Rovers manager John Coleman is set for a return to the League of Ireland as the new Waterford boss Picture credit: Dáire Brennan / SPORTSFILE John Coleman has been lined up for a return to the League of Ireland as new manager of Waterford It's understood that the Blues have turned to the veteran boss after failing to advance discussions with initial targets Ruaidhri Higgins and Stephen Rice WATERFORD FC HAVE announced the appointment of John Coleman as the club’s new manager The former Sligo Rovers boss fills the vacancy left by Keith Long who departed last month after a disappointing start to the Premier Division season following Monday’s meeting with Shelbourne The experienced 62-year-old has more than 1200 games as boss under his belt with the likes of Accrington Stanley Gillingham and Rochdale in the English Football League as well as a three-month spell with Sligo in 2014 “I’m delighted to become Waterford FC manager and excited by the League of Ireland which has a real vibrancy about it at the moment,” said Coleman “Although it will be a big challenge there is clearly a huge desire to be successful at this football club and to progress up this division I’m relishing the opportunity to get started to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.” Blues owner Jamie Pilley added: “We are delighted to be able to attract someone of John’s experience and standing in football to The RSC “The level of candidates we spoke to was hugely impressive with applicants from within the League of Ireland and from all around the footballing world and his desire to challenge himself to bring success to Waterford Football Club he was the standout applicant and the obvious choice.” Coleman will attend Monday’s game as a spectator with Matt Lawlor continuing as interim manager against Shelbourne before returning to Fleetwood Town Waterford thanked Lawlor for his “fantastic work effort and commitment during the past few weeks,” with an announcement on the new backroom team to be made in due course The Blues stunned Bohemians last night to claim their second successive win Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user Create an email alert based on the current article JOHN RUSSELL will accept any criticism that comes Sligo Rovers’ way due to their “criminal” defensive record Not for the first time this season, the Bit O’Red found themselves chasing a two-goal deficit after cheaply allowing Conor Keeley and Thomas Oluwa to put Drogheda United 2-0 up after 63 minutes on Friday night But Rovers rallied and forced a way back into the game courtesy of two goals in five minutes the first a close-range Owen Elding strike and the second a calamitous James Bolger own goal The 2-2 home draw means Sligo have won just two of their first 13 games this season despite being the Premier Division’s joint-top scorers But they have by far the leakiest defence and the Showgrounds supremo claims they are conceding too many “stupid” goals the team — we’re not in a position we want to be in and we’re the architects of our own downfall “We showed character to come back into it against Drogs, but the killer is conceding two goals again. “It’s criminal because we have such ability in this group. “We can score goals and could have had another two on Friday night, but it’s such a challenge to score goals when you go two down. The players know how good we are and what we can do. It looks like JavaScript is not enabled in your browser 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-1sgza6o:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-1sgza6o:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-1sgza6o.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-w5p45x::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.css-w5p45x{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.css-w5p45x:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-w5p45x:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.26);}PrintShareSaveThe death has occurred of Peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family Predeceased by his parents Paddy Mickey and Philomena Walsh Paul will be forever loved and missed by his loving wife Trish brothers Padraig (Tourlestrane) and Shane (Tourlestrane & Cavan) good neighbours and many great and loyal friends Paul will be reposing in his home on this Sunday from 2 o'clock until 8 o'clock (with a break from 5.30 until 6) Funeral will leave his home on Monday to arrive in The Church of The Holy Rosary Kilmactigue for requiem Mass at 3 o'clock with the burial afterwards in Kilmactigue Cemetery Mass will be livestreamed on https://mcn.live/camera/the-church-of-the-most-holy-rosary For those who wish to express their sympathy to the family can do so by selecting 'condolence ' below. Donations if desired to SHOUT or Tubbercurry Cancer Support Centre. Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Date Published: CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one. Rip.ie, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, Ireland John Coleman most recently spent three months in charge at English League Two side Gilligham before departing in March. Pic: Robertas Dackus / SPORTSFILE He takes over from Keith Long who departed the club a fortnight ago Coleman managed Sligo Rovers for three months in 2014 a job he left to take over at Accrington Stanley The 62-year-old managed Accrington Stanley for nearly 25 years over two spells He most recently spent three months in charge at English League Two side Gillingham before leaving in March.  “I’m delighted to become Waterford FC manager and excited by the League of Ireland which has a real vibrancy about it at the moment," said Coleman.  “I’m relishing the opportunity to get started to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.” Coleman will be a spectator on Monday when Waterford take on Shelbourne at Tolka Park. Matt Lawlor will continue as interim manager for the game. Lawlor guided Waterford to a 2-1 victory over Bohs at Dalymount Park on Friday night.  “We are delighted to be able to attract someone of John’s experience and standing in football to The RSC," said Waterford owner Jamie Pilley he was the stand-out applicant and the obvious choice.” Coleman's backroom team will be confirmed at a later date.  From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer Already a subscriber? Sign in By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser You have accepted push notifications for this content. If you would like to manage your push notification preferences, you can do so here Importance of historic site emphasised by new groups telling the Junior Green Fort Guardians about the Green Fort A group of national school pupils are on a mission to protect and promote Sligo’s Green Fort On Friday last RTE came to Sligo to interview both the senior and junior Green Fort Guardians on top of the fort at Forthill The senior Green Fort Guardians who are the members of Forthill Mens group have been working tirelessly for decades to bring attention to the Green Fort which is one of Sligo’s most significant but least known National heritage sites The 17th century earthen military fort overlooks the entire city and provides the most spectacular views of Benbulben Knocknarea and Sligo channel as far as Rosses Point introduced them to a group of pupils from Our Lady of Mercy primary school who were participating in Burren Beo Trust’s Heritage Keepers programme These young people were so impressed by the efforts of the Forthill Mens Group that they decided to help them out and to call themselves the junior Green Fort Guardians The junior Green Fort Guardians have taken on the mantle with great energy and enthusiasm and have made great friendships with their mentors in the Forthill Mens group in the process The children decided to become trained as tour guides of the fort and they have also created an information booklet about it which is about to be reprinted due to the exceptional demand for it from locals and tourists alike The Junior Green Fort Guardians also decided to improve the biodiversity of the Green Fort by planting a range of native trees close to the site and stated that they would like to see the location of the fort to become a wellness area for people attending Sligo University Hospital visitors to the Model and for the people of Sligo generally as well as for visitors to the town The Senior Green Fort Guardians would love to see a road sign so that locals and tourists alike could become aware of the fort’s existence and how to access it as it still remains as one of Sligo’s surprising secrets Both the Senior and Junior Green Fort Guardians are very excited about being involved in the major archaeological excavation that is to take place on the fort next month under the guidance of Dr League of IrelandSligo Rovers boss John Russell explains why star midfielder Connor Malley was left out of Shamrock Rovers tripSligo Rovers manager John Russell has suggested that midfielder Connor Malley was left out of the squad for yesterday’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers because of how he has trained and conducted himself around the group Sixteen-year-old Mairead McIntyre has been ever present for Rovers' senior side this year Sligo Rovers were forced to forfeit Sunday’s LOI Academy Women’s Under 19 League Group B tie against Bohemians as they were unable to field a team The Bit O’Red had just ten players available for Sunday’s meeting with Bohs With the senior Rovers side currently in the middle of an injury crisis Steve Feeney named a number of young academy players on the bench With the exception of midfielder Muireann Devaney Roise Burke and Sarah McDaniel were all named on the bench for Steve Feeney’s side which is already probably the youngest side in the league FAI rules state that 14 year olds cannot play under 19s football so Rovers could not bring the younger players from their Under 17s into the Under 19s squad for the day It’s not the first time the Bit O’Red have had to forfeit a fixture due to lack of numbers for this age group It is understood there is no sanction for clubs who are unable to field a time with players missing out on important contact time and also unfortunate for the Bohemians players who had been preparing for this game Steve Feeney has had to lean heavily on the club’s underage academy to fill the bench on several occasions this season with younger players getting plenty of minutes last season under Tommy Hewitt as well Anna McDaniel on the ball for Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers picked up a first win of the season on Saturday with a shock 1-0 win over an experienced Peamount side at The Showgrounds Anna McDaniel’s 20th minute goal was all that separated the two sides as Rovers finally collected a first three points of the campaign ensuring Steve Feeney’s side are now four points clear of DLR Waves who currently occupy bottom spot Feeney was without a number of players through injury Keela Scanlon and Kya McKenna were all missing for Saturday’s tie Goalkeeper Julia Gawalkiewicz was named on the bench Roise Burke and Sarah McDaniel joining Muireann Devaney and Keeva Flynn as subs Few would have given Rovers a chance against a very experienced Peamount side but there has been an improvement in recent weeks from Rovers so maybe there was a sense that a result like this was coming A brilliant fingertip save from goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan kept out Becky Watkins’ shot on 16 minutes but the former Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper spilled it with McDaniel on hand to poke it in to put Rovers ahead Now that they had somethting to hold on to Rovers were going to fight hard to hold on for what could be a very important win Antea Guvo had the ball in the net on 24 minutes but the assistant’s flag was raised for offisde Jess Fitzgerald’s effort from long range was comfortably saved by McKiernan Another save from McKiernan on 35 minutes denied Peamount an equaliser after Fitzgerald’s corner was nodded on by Karen Duggan A dangerous cross from Lauryn O’Callaghan on 40 minutes was missed by McKiernan as it reached the far post when all it needed was a slight poke to go in Rovers will have expected a response from Peamount in the second-half but the hosts defended brilliantly and while the visitors had all the ball,Rovers really weren’t under the cosh Carla McManus’ shot was saved by McKiernan just before the hour mark and Guvo couldn’t make anything of the follow-up Watkins fired over in the 70th minute as Peas pushed to try and find an equaliser It was almost 2-0 to the hosts on 88 minutes but Budden saved well from Muireann Devaney’s close range effort It was a well deserved win for Steve Feeney’s side who have looked like a much improved side in recent weeks face into a tough run of games as they travel to Tallaght Stadium next Saturday before hosting the unbeaten Athlone Town at The Showgrounds on May 17 Athlone Town have conceded just two goals in their opening seven games and are the only unbeaten side in the league so far Gurteen’s Roisin Molloy is still making her return from injury but the Midlanders new signings over the off-season have made them a real force and they are well on course to backing up their first league title from last season Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill turns the sod at SUH for the new 42 bed ward with help from Deputy Frank Feighan Minister of State Marian Harkin and councillor Thomas Walsh Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill performed two official openings and turned the sod on a new 42 bed ward block at Sligo University Hospital (SUH) during her visit to Sligo on Friday The new 42 bed ward is seen as a key priority for Sligo University Hospital is to increase and expand patient facilities to meet the growing demand for acute hospital services in the region Building the new 42 bed ward block is critical to the plan and the hospital says it is committed to progressing the new beds as quickly as possible Minister Carroll MacNeill turned the sod on the site of the new ward block development with a contract construction in excess of €30m and an estimated completion time of Q4 2027 The unit will include two 21 bed wards comprising of single en-suite rooms with ancillary accommodation and additional shell-and-core area for future development of Cardiology CT and expansion of Day Services This provides an interim solution to secure additional medical beds over the next two to three years in advance of a longer term plan to develop a multi-service block over the next 8 years Minister Carroll MacNeill also officially opened 26 beds in the SUH offsite ward located at St John’s Community Hospital This facility began receiving patients in January of this year and provides additional bed capacity and improved accommodation for patients as well as easing patient flow from the Emergency Department and throughout the hospital The additional beds were part of the capital funding from the HSE 2024 Capital Plan provides structured medical support to patients who meet the criteria for the ward and will continue to benefit from medical supervision and therapeutic support provided by a full team of health and social care professionals in a calm environment It is suitable for patients who would benefit from an additional few days under the care of hospital staff A second CT scanner at SUH was opened by Minister Carroll MacNeill as part of her visit The service will be operational from May 5th 2025 and will greatly add to the diagnostic capacity at the hospital; reducing waiting times for outpatient appointments and reducing turnaround times for emergency department patients SUH Radiology department has seen significant increase in demand for CT scans over the past ten years Having a second CT scanner will allow for continuation of essential cover for trauma improved GP access and provide in-house contingency if a CT scanner becomes non-operational This fully supports the Sláintecare goal of treating patients as close to home where clinically safe and appropriate Minister Carroll MacNeill said: “I am delighted to be in Sligo University Hospital today to see first-hand the infrastructural investment and to thank staff for their work “Developments like the new off-site ward at St John’s Hospital are responding to increased patient demand and enhancing capacity to provide timely “Together with the new ward block development under construction and the new CT scanner these developments are an important step in our ongoing efforts to provide modern patient facilities in which world-class care is delivered for the benefit of the whole region.” John Fitzmaurice “We are delighted to have Minister Carroll MacNeill here to perform these official openings This is a great day for health services in Sligo “Today marks significant investment in our local services and will see improved waiting times and greater inpatient care for those in Sligo.” said: “These new developments are very welcome additions to the hospital Our new offsite ward at St John’s has had a positive effect on patient flow and overcrowding in SUH on site while the new 42 bed day ward will enable greater quality of service and improved patient outcomes where patients receive care in an appropriate setting in a timelier manner having a second CT scanner will ensure continuous coverage for trauma improve GP access and provide in-house contingency.” Cllr Declan Bree said he was very pleased to be present for the official opening of two significant and transformative developments at Sligo University Hospital: the Medical Offsite Ward and the installation of a second CT scanner “These projects are milestones in regional healthcare They represent progress not just in infrastructure has already started making a meaningful difference since it opened its doors in January “It provides not only much-needed additional bed capacity but also a calm and structured environment for patients on the path to recovery “With a full team of healthcare professionals — from doctors and nurses to therapists and social care staff — this ward ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs “It is an innovative response to the ongoing challenge of patient flow and overcrowding especially within our Emergency Department “It is a testament to what can be achieved when vision is matched with collaboration and commitment “A second CT scanner at Sligo University Hospital reducing wait times and ensuring continuity for trauma “And while today is about acknowledging what has been achieved I feel it is also important to convey the concerns of many people living in Sligo and the region “Last year Sligo University Hospital was one of the most overcrowded facilities in the country “The hospital saw over 7,500 patients treated on trolleys placing it in the top five most overcrowded hospitals nationwide “The overcrowding is not a new phenomenon; Sligo has consistently been in the top four or five overcrowded hospitals in the country “In recent years we had consultants who are based in the hospital send emails to the Department of Health to highlight the appalling conditions for patients and staff at the hospital “Such a move by medical consultants was unprecedented and it reflected the deep concern they shared regarding the continuing failure to have the crisis addressed “And only this week we had an Orthopaedic consultant describe the Orthopaedic theatre complex in the hospital as entirely unfit for purpose and calling for the urgent development of the planned Multiservice Surgical Block the hospital does not have the ability to absorb the number of patients “A bed occupancy of 85% is generally considered to be the limit at which hospitals are able to work safely and effectively Sligo University Hospital has consistently had an average bed occupancy rate of in excess of 100% “This is clearly unacceptable and it puts huge pressure on doctors and nurses “As far back as November 2022 we heard the Taoiseach tell the Dáil that construction of the proposed new 42 bed ward block was intended to commence in the first quarter of 2023 “In the intervening period we have had delay after delay with various and numerous announcements being made I certainly acknowledge that you are a new Minister for Health and that you must be given the space to implement policy and deliver “In this context the turning of the sod on the new 42-bed block development here at Sligo University Hospital today is important “This is a project that will deliver two modern 21-bed wards “This development is a vital interim measure as we await the development of the planned Multiservice Block it will also prepare the ground for the future expansion of cardiology CT services and day services — ensuring that the hospital remains responsive to the evolving needs of our community “I want to take this opportunity to thank you Minister for your presence here today and for your support of these developments “To the management and staff of Sligo University Hospital and delivering these critical projects — thank you "Your efforts are helping to build a stronger more resilient healthcare system for the people of Sligo and the wider region “We must now increase our investment in our hospital and in health “And let us always remember that at the heart of every hospital bed and every new building — is a person who matters,” said Cllr Bree *All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change Johnny Murtagh’s horses are going well and this looks like a good opportunity for VANDERBILT HOUSE to be in the first-time blinkers She can make her fitness edge count over Wait For It and Agouti Bear The well-bred Sci Fi and Shoney are open to improvement on their second starts The drop back in trip should enable the top-rated CHESTER NIMITZ to get his head in front with his rider taking off a handy 3lb Paddy Twomey’s newcomers are always respected so Ceo Stealth Mode is worth monitoring closely in the market The return to decent ground and drop in trip should suit Kodi’s Ange and she could run a nice race at bigger odds MAKAIAH gets the nod after her eye-catching second at Navan after meeting traffic problems last month though market support for her stablemate Dumb Love should be noted Bynx could go well if backing up her Gowran run and Highland Bells is capable of hitting the frame if fit for his seasonal reappearance Being out of the weights is not ideal for CARRIED WITH LOVE but she’s still relatively unexposed and comes here after running away with a good-ground maiden hurdle Joseph O’Brien’s two other runners are interesting (especially if strong in the market) After a return to form at Cork on ground perhaps slower than ideal GRIZABELLA edges preference in this low-grade handicap Dynamite Defense found 1m4f a stretch last time and he’s feared most ahead of Top Of The Pops It was a seriously eye-catching handicap debut at Navan from ANGELO PIO (NAP) given that he came from last to fourth in a big field and found some bother in running Joseph O’Brien has another possible contender in Magnolia Drive who should find her level now handicapping over a longer trip Johnny’s Oasis was another to shape well in Angelo Pio’s race The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com now PPB Counterparty Services Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. For customers in the UK, PPB Counterparty Services Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission Launch of Sligo Bike Week at the offices of Sligo County Council at Riverside Sligo County Council and Sligo Sports Partnership has announced a series of free events across the county to celebrate National Bike Week 2025 supported by the National Transport Authority and celebrated nationwide This year’s programme offers a variety of activities designed to engage cyclists of all ages and abilities including Balance Bike sessions and Community Leisure Cycles to Spin to Splash events Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said: “Bike Week is a wonderful initiative that highlights the importance of cycling for both our health and the environment I encourage everyone to participate and experience the beauty of Sligo on two wheels” The week-long celebration highlights the numerous benefits of cycling It also encourages individuals who haven't cycled in a long time to get back in the saddle or those who have never cycled before to discover the simple pleasure of cycling For more information on local events, visit www.sligococo.ie and www.sligosportandrecreation.ie. Nationwide events can be found on www.bikeweek.ie Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will host its final Open Day of the academic year on Saturday 10th May 10am to 1pm on both the Sligo and St Angela’s campuses The Open Day is an opportunity to discover all that Sligo has to offer as a university destination Interested students and their families are encouraged to attend as a packed schedule of events will ensure no questions remain unanswered Open Day visitors will have the opportunity to talk with academics current students and the many student support teams available at ATU There are over 80 programmes across both campuses in the areas of Business and Social Sciences Engineering and Design; Science; Education Visitors will also see first-hand the modern campus facilities through a mixture of interactive workshops A free shuttle bus will be in operation between ATU Sligo and ATU St Angela’s with additional buses providing tours of the purpose-built student accommodation villages as well as the impressive Yeats Academy of Arts With just over three weeks to go until the Leaving Cert exams The Study Coach will join the ATU Sligo campus to give advice on the latest science of brain performance to help students maximise their time and boost memory skills for their exams Visitors will receive a goodie bag which includes a Sligo Discount Sheet offering up to 15% discount at various coffee shops a voucher will allow free parking at several Sligo County Council carparks on the day to enable visitors to make the most of their time in Sligo for the day Open days highlight the best that ATU have to offer as an opportunity to discover the wide range of CAO study options in Sligo for September 2025 The free CAO Change of Mind Facility runs from May 6th to July 1st which means there is still time to select ATU as part of a CAO application For more information and to register for open day Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill cutting the ribbon alongside Martina Calvey Hello GoodLife Ireland and the local community at the launch of the Bunninadden Hello GoodLife Community Health and Wellbeing Hub (Image: James Connolly) A significant milestone in community-led health innovation was reached as Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill officially opened the Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing Hub at Ballinalack Community Park It is Ireland’s first community-inspired and community-run hub based on the Hello GoodLife model Building on the success of the commercially-run and well-established Hello GoodLife hubs in Castlebar and Roscommon the Bunninadden hub is the first to be entirely operated by a local community group now running the facility as a social enterprise in service of public health and wellbeing Funded through the LEADER rural development programme the initiative represents a new direction in preventative CEO and founder of Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing Ireland alongside her partner Seamus Davitt inclusive space for holistic health featuring 14 power-assisted exercise machines — including two specially designed for wheelchair users It provides an accessible and safe environment for people of all ages and abilities to stay active maintain independence and foster meaningful social connections Minister Carroll MacNeill hailed the project as a shining example of community-driven innovation “What we see today in Bunninadden is a shining example of what can be achieved when community spirit meets collaboration and innovation “The Hello GoodLife Hub is not only helping people live longer This model is a blueprint for communities across the country.” The Hello GoodLife concept is rooted in accessibility showcases what’s possible when local people unite to support each other’s wellbeing — with mature and older adults those living with chronic conditions and people of all ages simply seeking to stay active all benefiting from its presence said: “We created Hello GoodLife with people’s physical social and mental health in mind following my own personal journey through illness and having used Innerva’s power-assisted circuit “What the Bunninadden community have achieved here is extraordinary — they took this idea and brought it to life for their people and their place the energy and the friendships being formed here every day — this is what it’s all about Already hailed as a national exemplar of best practice in community-led preventative healthcare the Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing Hub in Bunninadden marks the next exciting step in a growing movement across Ireland — driven by local passion powered by partnership and built for the health and wellbeing of all Pat Fallon, President of the Sligo-Leitrim Council of Trade Unions,  Cllr Declan Bree, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Ms Denise Curran of the Mandate Trade Union at Sligo’s May Day ceremony. Since coming into office, this government has reneged on many undertakings that were previously given to the trade union movement, a leading trade unionist has claimed. Pat Fallon, President of the Sligo-Leitrim Council of Trade Unions made the remarks when he addressed those attending Sligo’s annual May Day ceremony in New Street on Thursday evening May 1st. “There has been a reversal on introducing the living wage, paid sick leave entitlements, increasing the minimum annual remuneration for employment permits and automatic enrolment for pensions. “All of these measures which the government agreed to, have now been deferred. “This is not acceptable to unions and workers. When will those initiatives be delivered on? The Government will say that global trading uncertainty means we must pause the measures. “An ERSI report has shown that in 2023 nationally advertised online jobs at the minimum rate of pay accounted for 7% which rose to 15% in 2024, and in Sligo the figure was an average of 19% showing a worrying trend towards low paid jobs. “Denying a worker an adequate living wage will hardly solve the global economic turmoil. “Today, low-paid workers are faced with a cost-of-living crisis and falling living standards. Workers have never worked so hard and never struggled so much. “The government’s housing policies have resulted in ordinary workers and families being priced out of the market. “The number of minimum wage jobs advertised last year was double what it was in 2023. What hope does a young couple working for minimum wage have of ever owning their own home. “Organising more workers through trade unions is now very necessary if we are to change this trend and improve living standards for working people,” he said. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree, who also spoke said: “Access to secure, affordable housing is a deep and abiding concern of the trade union movement. It was the squalor of the slums in Dublin and other urban areas including Sligo, in the early years of the 20th century that provided much of the motivational force for the establishment of the modern trade union movement. “For the trade union and labour movement, the need for decent housing remains wholly indivisible from the need for decent pay and decent work. “When I was first elected to local government, Councils delivered almost 9,000 new homes – which was a third of all housing delivered in Ireland that year. “However, over the years Government funding for the construction of council housing was reduced and the role of private developers expanded. The 2008 banking crash accelerated the shift to ‘for profit’ developers “Due to the ongoing development of neo liberal policies and the view that the private sector, was much better at delivering all aspects of the economy, funding for public council housing was slashed. “The 2009 Housing Act in essence stripped local authorities of much responsibility for the provision of public housing, instead limiting them to support for such housing. “By 2015, the output of Council housing had fallen drastically with just 75 houses being built nationwide - and as the numbers collapsed, housing waiting lists surged and they have continued to rise year after year. “The reason we have a housing crisis today is that successive Governments handed housing delivery over to the market - to private developers, speculators and to investor funds. “It must also be pointed out that the abject failure of government to provide adequate housing and a proper health system has provided fertile grounds for far right elements to stoke racial hatred. “Hate, lies and racism are not going to build us houses or provide better health services. “The far-right are playing on people’s fears to shift the blame for these longstanding issues onto migrants, and that is absolutely wrong. “The trade union movement has achieved a lot for workers over the last 100 years but there is still much to do to achieve real economic and social equality in Ireland. “We now need to see an all-Ireland programme to end homelessness and to build state-funded public housing in addition to the Right to Housing being enshrined in our Constitution.” he said. Denise Curran of the Mandate Trade Union presided at the event and floral tributes were laid on behalf of the trade union movement by Mr Tony Conlon of the Forsa Trade Union and by Ms Brenda Barr on behalf of the Connolly Forum. League of IrelandSligo Rovers boss John Russell explains why star midfielder Connor Malley was left out of Shamrock Rovers tripSligo Rovers manager John Russell has suggested that midfielder Connor Malley was left out of the squad for yesterday’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers because of how he has trained and conducted himself around the group. Beset and Declan McDonogh (left) win for trainer Joseph O'Brien from Fratas. Picture: Healy Racing Formerly trained by Henry Candy in England and carrying the ‘Lady Of the Lamp’ colours the Expert Eye filly swooped to give her trainer a third win in the event in five years "I was caught in traffic and needed luck and I had no other option but to go down the inside I loved her attitude — she wanted to get into the gap and quickened through it nicely.  "Today was all about learning about her and We went a hell of a gallop and she couldn’t go early so stepping up to a mile and a half shouldn’t be a problem." The long trip from Golden to Sligo paid off for Paddy Twomey as €150,000 Arqana Breeze-Up purchase Ceo Stealth Mode made a successful debut in the Tote.ie Median Auction maiden Billy Lee’s mount overcame his inexperience by four lengths from market rival Chester Nimitz Ceo Stealth Mode and Billy Lee win for owners Bond Thoroughbred Limited and trainer Paddy Twomey Picture: Healy Racing"It’s hard to win around here first time out “He’s learning on the job and that trip (an abbreviated six furlongs) would be a minimum for him He’ll go out in trip and we’ll try to find a suitable winners race for him." Trainer Danny Murphy continued his impressive early-season strike-rate when Agouti Bear (Jamie Powell) dictated the pace and ran on strongly to beat Shoney by two and a half lengths in the Download The Tote App Fillies Maiden but the lads (the Kildare Racing Syndicate/Brogue (Taum) Racing Club) changed their mind — I ‘ve had three horses for them and they’ve all won." "I’ll enter this filly for a six-furlong handicap in Naas on Saturday although I’ll be entering two others as well."  Gegenpressing will reappear in today’s 5.20 at the Curragh in the wake of his narrow win under Chris Hayes (lost his whip) in the six-furlong Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap the seven-year-old was repeating last year’s win in the 0-60 handicap and recording his third course and distance success "He’s become a bit of a family pet and is a great lead horse at home The plan has always been to run again tomorrow — Jessica (O’Gorman) will ride him."  Apprentice Keithen Kennedy took the riding honours registering a double on Pat Fahy’s You Make Me Smile in the Tote.ie Apprentice Handicap and the Jessica Harrington-trained Birdie Time WINNING RETURN: Los Angeles and Ryan Moore win the Group 2 Coolmore Stud City Of Troy Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh peacefully in the exceptional care of Saint John’s Community Hospital Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Agnes He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his brothers Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday Burial follows in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery www.churchservices.tv/strandhill Those who wish to leave a condolence message may do so below, in private at www.feehilys.ie or by traditional manner. All enquiries to Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo on 071/9159999 or 0872411114. CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one Cian Kavanagh of Sligo Rovers in action against Conor Keeley of Drogheda United during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match at The Showgrounds Will Fitzgerald of Sligo Rovers reacts after a missed chance late in injury time against Drogheda United Douglas James-Taylor of Drogheda United in action against Jake Doyle-Hayes of Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds MARCUS CAVAROLIDrogheda IndependentSun 4 May 2025 at 03:30SLIGO ROVERS 2 IT was in May last year that Drogheda United coughed up leads against Galway United and Waterford in successive games and lost both - and history almost repeated itself in The Showgrounds last Friday night Still smarting from their reverse in Eamonn Deacy Park seven days earlier the Boynesiders were well on their way to three points when leading the bottom side 2-0 at the end of the third quarter but having conceded two goals in as many minutes in Galway to suffer a defeat they coughed up another brace - this time in a five-minute spell - and ultimately had to settle for a disappointing draw Drogheda boss Kevin Doherty put the result down to ‘really and his mood wouldn’t have been helped by the sight of three of his players limping off with injuries The first of those saw the luckless Paul Doyle replaced by Ryan Brennan after only five minutes but moments later Thomas Oluwa cut in from the left touchline with pace and power and bore down on goal before a crunching last-ditch tackle by John Mahon prevented him testing Sligo keeper Sam Sargeant It was Sligo who had the next three decent chances of the game as Owen Elding twice missed the target and Drogs netminder Luke Dennison had to parry away a cross-shot from wide on the right But the visitors quickly settled and James Bolger’s header from an assist by his centre-half colleague Conor Keeley grazed the crossbar before Darragh Markey went close with an 18-yard effort The breakthrough duly arrived on 28 minutes when Conor Kane was fouled and Shane Farrell angled the free kick towards the back post from where Andrew Quinn headed goalwards and Keeley arrived bang on cue to find the net with a cushioned close-range volley Moments later Oluwa went off on another powerful run only to be foiled at the last moment as his cross from the byeline was deflected into the grateful arms of Sargeant Then Warren Davis and Oluwa combined with Markey whose cross was sliced wide by Kane Dennison pushed away Connor Malley’s hooked cross-shot on the hour mark before Drogheda doubled their advantage on 63 minutes Kane and Markey were involved in the move initially before Davis took possession and whipped a superb cross into the box At full stretch Mahon just failed to cut it out and Oluwa stole in behind him before slotting a composed finished past Sargeant on 67 minutes there was fresh hope for Sligo when Will Fitzgerald skipped past a clearly injured Elicha Ahui and crossed towards Elding who got in front of Bolger to convert from close range Four minutes later Elding headed over from another Fitzgerald cross but it was the briefest of reprieves as Fitzgerald linked up with Francely Lomboto who stole a yard on Keeley before his cross struck the boot of the unfortunate Bolger and ricocheted into the net for 2-2 There were chances at either end after that as both teams chased a winner with a Bolger effort striking the upright before being cleared off the line and then Fitzgerald nearly winning it for Sligo deep into stoppage time with a long-range effort that almost crept inside the post James Bolger 7; Elicha Ahui 7 (Owen Lambe 69 Conor Kane 8; Darragh Markey 7 (Luke Heeney 76 7); Warren Davis 7 (Douglas James-Taylor 69 CourtsTwo charged further remanded in custody following drugs seizure in LouthTwo men charged in connection with a drugs seizure in Co Louth have been further remanded in custody Owen Elding of Sligo Rovers celebrates after his side's second goal an own goal by Conor Kane of Drogheda United during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United at The Showgrounds in Sligo John Russell believes Owen Elding is ‘up there’ with the League of Ireland’s top young players after the 19-year-old netted his sixth goal of the season in Friday night’s 2-2 draw at The Showgrounds Elding brought the Bit O’Red back into the game when he scored minutes after Thomas Oluwa prodded Drogheda 2-0 ahead at The Showgrounds Aidan Keena of St Patrick's Athletic celebrates his side's first goal scored by Kian Leavy during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match against Galway United at Richmond Park in Dublin Michael Duffy of Derry City celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match against Shelbourne at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry Shelbourne manager Damien Duff is revisiting the ground were his side clinched the league title last season Rian NoctorFri 2 May 2025 at 20:00It was another action-packed night in the League of Ireland with all ten Premier Division teams involved You can relive all the action as it unfolded in our liveblog below A beautiful Old Coastguard Station located in West Sligo sold for a record€2.2m last year making it most expensive property sold in the county Nestled along 300 metres of rugged Atlantic shoreline a sprawling 4,209 sq ft / 391 sq m landmark property with a watchtower clinched the title of Sligo’s highest-value property sale for 2024 this architectural treasure found its new guardians in late 2024 Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has appointed Frank Feighan TD as Fine Gael spokesperson on Northern Ireland and on UK relations An Taoiseach said: “Deputy Feighan takes on this role for Fine Gael in a challenging geopolitical environment we make the greatest progress when our two Governments work together prosperity and reconciliation on this island we committed to work together on conflict prevention sustainable development and climate action Deputy Feighan has demonstrated his experience in building and maintaining important and enduring relationships and I wish him success in his new role said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to take on this responsibility by the Tánaiste In working through the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and in developing relationships with my UK counterparts I look forward to a particularly fruitful period of partnership and cooperation in the service of people across these islands.” DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ATHLONE Town put three goals past Galway United this evening to continue their unbeaten start to the season in the women’s Premier Division Athlone Town are now back at the summit of the table after Shelbourne temporarily went top after defeating Treaty United Galway’s unbeaten run is over but they still remain in third place with a game in hand Madison Gibson and Shauna Brennan were all on target as Athlone Town came away from their trip to Eamonn Deacy Park with all three points Ryan grabbed the lead after just five minutes getting on the end of a cross from Katie Sullivan at the back post and finishing from close range Gibson doubled their lead in the 19th minute before Brennan wrapped up the win with just 38 minutes on the clock Her effort from outside the box initially came back off the crossbar and the referee ruled that the ball had crossed the line after taking a touch off Galway goalkeeper Jayne Merren Well… did this Shauna Brennan strike cross the line? 😳The referee thinks so, and @AthloneTownAFC are 3-0 up in Galway! pic.twitter.com/aE4YUaOFrd Sligo Rovers stunned Peamount United with a hard-earned and well-deserved 1-0 win at the Showgrounds Anna McDaniel’s 19th-minute goal was the difference as the Bit O’Red enjoyed a memorable victory over the 2023 champions Shelbourne stormed to a 3-1 win over Treaty United at Markets Field a quick-fire double from the in-form Mackenzie Anthony seeing them home Rebecca Cooke broke the deadlock for Shels in the 40th minute before Ciara Breslin levelled matters early in the second-half But goals from American forward Anthony in the 76th and 79th minutes secured the win for the North Dublin outfit as Republic of Ireland assistant head coach Alan Mahon was an interested spectator Shamrock Rovers made it two wins over DLR Waves in weeks after a 4-1 victory at the UCD Bowl The Hoops won last weekend’s All-Island Cup opener 6-0 while Scarlett Herron and Joy Ralph were also on the scoresheet for Rovers Aisling Meehan scored for the hosts to make it 2-1 just before the hour-mark but Ralph responded immediately and Corbet wrapped up another three points goals from Della Doherty and Millie Daly secured victory for Wexford in their home tie against Waterford Goals in either half from Roisin McGovern and Lisa Murphy did the damage for Bohs WATERFORD have confirmed the appointment of John Coleman as their manager The ex-Sligo Rovers boss was most recently with Gillingham whom he left in March after just two wins in his 12 games in charge But he is best known for his two stints at the helm of Accrington Stanley Southport and - for three months - Sligo Rovers overseeing a famous 2-1 win away to Rosenborg although they were knocked out of the Europa League 4-3 on aggregate Coleman said: “I’m delighted to become Waterford FC manager and excited by the League of Ireland which has a real vibrancy about it at the moment The Blues parted company with Keith Long last month after seven straight defeats. Matt Lawlor - who had served as his assistant last season - was brought in from their sister club Fleetwood Town as interim boss. He oversaw two wins from three and will again be in charge against Shelbourne on Monday when Coleman will be in the stands at Tolka Park. the item you are looking for was not found Sligo footballer Paul McNamara has backed his county to go all the way in the Tailteann Cup Sligo suffered semi-final heartbreak as they were defeated by eventual winners Down after extra-time Many of the squad won a Division four title in 2023 while success at U20 and minors was a key part of the squad's development belief has been the big message heading into the championship "We played Down in the league last year and took a fair clipping so we knew exactly what they were going to bring once we put our mind to it and make sure we relate back to the basics we speak about in training Belief is a big thing we would have worked on "We were a point up with 20 seconds on the clock A crazy game that really could have gone either way." Sligo rallied strongly to finish fifth in Division Three before pushing Mayo all the way in the Connacht quarter-final in MacHale Park It was the second year in a row Sligo almost caused a major shock with Galway scoring a last second goal to overcome Sligo in the Connacht semi-final last season the Sligo defender was confident they would peak at the right time your main goal for the first half of the season is promotion from Division Three "When the first few games don't go to plan all of a sudden then you are trying to avoid relegation your mind does move forward towards Tailteann Cup "I don't know if that is something that is planned because we certainly took those losses fairly brutally whether it be Galway last year or away to Mayo this year we didn't get it over the line in either of those games but it shows we can match it with those teams when we do play to out potential it is a case of Galway got to the All-Ireland final last year but we took massive learnings that we have been trying to bring training for the last few weeks but I am looking forward to the next few weeks." As players across the country are becoming well used to the new rules better conditions and weather will see them maximised to their full potential the individual battles on the pitch have been a welcome addition as the 29-year-old admits the new rules have worked out better than he thought they have worked out a lot better than I thought they would I was a little apprehensive when there was so many new rules brought in at the start of the year they have definitely made for a more open game in terms of the three up and three back "The kick outs are probably the big one we struggled with early in the year you can't give a short kick out in the new 40 metre arc so that is something we have to work really hard to get used to "They have definitely made the game an easier watch Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism The Mayo FC U-17 Squad prior to Saturday's game in Umbro Park WOMEN’S UNDER-17 LEAGUE OF IRELAND GROUP C A superb long-range free kick from Ava Hallinan ended up clinching victory for the visitors in Umbro Park today Mayo FC struggled at times with Sligo Rovers enjoying large spells of possession with them looking dangerous on numerous occasions in the opening 45 minutes A goal from Erin Farry early on helped the visitors settle in nicely as the hosts appeared to be second best in the opening stages Jessica Feeney’s side gradually played their way into the game Sligo made a raft of changes at the interval and Mayo FC enjoyed much more possession after that compared to the opening half where Sligo dominated the half time team talk had kicked the girls in green into life as Emily Coleman’s superb strike from the edge of the box curled into the net The goal was a fantastic strike which offered Mayo FC confidence a long-range free kick from Sligo's Ava Hallinan ended up in the back of the net after the sweetly-struck effort just went over Mayo's shot stopper That moment of brilliance from Hallinan was enough to give Rovers the three points A full match report will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news ALERT: Irish homeowners warned renovation jobs could lead to €10,000 fine or jail Graduates of ATU and its legacy campuses can benefit from the Alumni Scholarship offering a 20% reduction on Masters course fees Minster Alan Dillon at the opening of the new offices The role offers an attractive package for the right candidate Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.